| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Physical inquiries can be sent to: 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA, 02038, US
If our email is in your Spam/Junk Folder, please add circlefolk@gmail.com to your address book.
Powered by
FanReach Pro 
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Lori McKenna with Mark Erelli March 22
Physical inquiries can be sent to: 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA, 02038, US
If our email is in your Spam/Junk Folder, please add circlefolk@gmail.com to your address book.
Powered by
FanReach Pro 
In the News: library renovation, local aid increases
A multimillion-dollar overhaul is being considered for the Ray Memorial Library, including a new addition in the back of the building and an upgraded cooling and heating system.
Civitects, a Wareham-based architectural company, has presented the Capital Improvement Committee with the results of a revised feasibility study for the library that details the $6.6 million project.Try to read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140313/NEWS/140318370/1994/NEWS
Note: the Milford Daily News is attempting to implement a 'paywall'. It is still not completely functional as there appear to be too many scripts running as they attempt to have their cake and eat it too. If they turned off all the pop up ads, their paywall might work effectively requiring someone to pay to read. As it is, I have been able to get by the pop ups (so far anyway).
The House budget committee plans to release its version of Gov. Deval Patrick’s $36.4 billion fiscal 2015 budget next month, with debate on it planned for the last week in April. After helping to raise taxes last year to support transportation system investments, House Speaker Robert DeLeo has ruled out tax hikes in this year’s budget.
Under the agreement, the Chapter 70 program would receive $4.4 billion, its largest appropriation ever, and a $99 million increase over the current state budget. Every school district will receive a state aid increase of at least $25 per pupil. Unrestricted local aid under the joint resolution would increase by $25 million to $946 million.
In his budget, filed in January, Patrick proposed a $100 million increase in Chapter 70 funding and no increase in unrestricted local aid.Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140312/NEWS/140318720/1994/NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Franklin Schools: Weather Update
A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hello
We have been following weather forecasts and here is the latest report for your review. Based on current predictions we will be having school. DPW will be treating roads so that should mitigate some of the icy conditions. We advise parents of HS students who drive to consider dropping students off at school. Please be mindful that roads/ parking lots will be slick.
FYI If conditions change overnight there may be a need for a school delay. Thank you and apologies for having to continue to bother you with weather communications when it is almost Spring. Think Rain !
Regards,Maureen
 |
| Franklin Municipal Building |
From Accuweather:WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON EDT THURSDAY...* LOCATIONS...MOST OF MASSACHUSETTS AND RHODE ISLAND EXCEPT FOR THE IMMEDIATE SOUTH COAST. THIS ADVISORY ALSO INCLUDES NORTHERN CONNECTICUT.* HAZARD TYPES...RAIN TRANSITIONS TO SNOW TONIGHT. A BRIEF PERIOD OF SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN IS ALSO POSSIBLE.* ACCUMULATIONS...SNOW ACCUMULATION OF UP TO 1 INCH...ALONG WITH AROUND A TRACE OF ICE.* TIMING...STEADY RAIN WILL OVERSPREAD THE REGION FROM WEST TO EAST THIS AFTERNOON. THE RAIN WILL CHANGE TO SNOW FROM NORTHWEST TO SOUTHEAST BETWEEN 10 PM AND 4 AM. A BRIEF PERIOD OF SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN IS POSSIBLE DURING THIS TRANSITION. SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE THURSDAY MORNING BEFORE TAPERING OFF DURING THE AFTERNOON.* IMPACTS...THE MAIN CONCERN IS FOR A FLASH FREEZE AS TEMPERATURES PLUMMET INTO THE TEENS AND LOWER 20S. UNTREATED SURFACES MAY QUICKLY FREEZE OVER AS MUCH COLDER AIR ARRIVES. A SMALL SNOW ACCUMULATION MAY HIDE SOME OF THE ICE. THE THURSDAY MORNING COMMUTE MAY BE ICY.
This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.
The walk (photo essay) (part 2)
The walk on Saturday covered a lot of territory and the results have been split into separate posts. You can find the first section here and continue the 'reporting by walking around' with me
One's path in the snow provides a contrast to the tree shadows cast in the early morning light
Yes, Franklin does have quite a bit of history and it has been recognized with a "National Historic District". The display on the Town Common provides highlights on the district.
Fortunately, the snow has continued to melt so while the words were beginning to be revealed on Saturday, they are likely completely revealed now. And let's hope the storm that comes by later Weds into Thursday just gives us a dusting of snow.We have had enough already!
The 5th has already come and gone but the Auction will be held Saturday the 15th and then there is a fund raising event at the Franklin Grill on March 21st.
 |
| the 'other' Dean tree |
Dean College sitting in the center of Franklin is home to several good large trees. I have highlighted the largest one before. This one on the corner of Main St and Emmons St is also impressive.
tree shadows
One's path in the snow provides a contrast to the tree shadows cast in the early morning light
 |
| National Historic District |
 |
| snow melt reveals the Gettysburg Address |
 |
| Davis Thayer field tree |
The tree at the edge of the Davis Thayer field (along School St) provides a good photo in the sunlight
 |
| Key dates coming up at Davis Thayer |
The 5th has already come and gone but the Auction will be held Saturday the 15th and then there is a fund raising event at the Franklin Grill on March 21st.
The middle part of the walk will be covered in another posting this week. I got out to the DelCarte Property and had some fun walking in the snow. Stay tuned!
"End Distracted Driving" Program - Comes to Franklin High School
TRIAL ATTORNEYS BRING END DISTRACTED DRIVING
PROGRAM TO FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL
The Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA) will bring the "End Distracted Driving" (EDD) program to Franklin High School in Franklin, MA on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.
The EDD program was started by Philadelphia Attorney Joel Feldman, whose daughter was killed in 2009 by a distracted driver and who will be speaking at the Franklin High School presentation.
Atty. J. Michael Conley, the President of MATA remarked: "The End Distracted Driving program is one of the most important ongoing initiatives that MATA has ever done. It reaches out to our most vulnerable drivers – high school students. The program is designed to raise awareness of the dangers in driving distracted and hopes to protect young drivers by educating them. What could be more important in our society?"
MATA has adopted attorney Feldman's EDD program and continues to visit as many high schools and colleges as possible each year to impress upon students the many dangers of driving distracted.
Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin), who was instrumental in bringing MATA and the EDD program to Franklin High School, said, "Distracted driving substantially increases the risk of an accident and young drivers are at the greatest risk. While we have laws in place, distracted driving remains a major health risk with deadly consequences. When I saw the End Distracted Driving program I knew that it had to be showcased in our area, as I think it is something all high school students should see".
As of this date, MATA volunteers and Joel Feldman have presented the EDD program in over twenty high schools and colleges in Massachusetts.
Financial Audit Results
The annual financial audit was reviewed during the last Town Council meeting. It is effectively a 'good' audit. There are some minor issues to be worked on according to the management letter. The complete text of all three documents can be found here
The Annual Financial Statements (53 pages)
The Management Letter (6 pages)
Additional items not covered in the Management Letter (2 pages)
The notes from the Town Council discussion can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/live-reporting-audit-report.html
The video of the Town Council meeting can be viewed here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=635302006607091250&indexSessionSKU=04Plyid7sgk9t4tfYKAX+A%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D
(skip ahead to about 34 minutes to catch the section on the audit)
The Annual Financial Statements (53 pages)
The Management Letter (6 pages)
Additional items not covered in the Management Letter (2 pages)
The notes from the Town Council discussion can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/live-reporting-audit-report.html
The video of the Town Council meeting can be viewed here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=635302006607091250&indexSessionSKU=04Plyid7sgk9t4tfYKAX+A%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D
(skip ahead to about 34 minutes to catch the section on the audit)
|
| Franklin Municipal Building |
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Franklin Schools: Update 3/11/14
A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
March 11, 2014
Hello
My hope is that spring is almost here and that I will not have to call your homes at dawn with a snow message this week. If I have to contact our families on Thursday you may hear me whimpering and crying with disappointment. We are keeping our fingers crossed for rain.
Last day is June 20 and it is a half day.
Upcoming Events:
Come to the annual town-wide trivia bee on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00 at the Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School. Watch the teams compete for dominance in music trivia, have some snacks and bid on auction prizes. The finds raised support grants to Franklin educators. See if the Franklin School Committee can repeat as champs and listen to the musical talent of the FHS Jazz Band.
Hello
My hope is that spring is almost here and that I will not have to call your homes at dawn with a snow message this week. If I have to contact our families on Thursday you may hear me whimpering and crying with disappointment. We are keeping our fingers crossed for rain.
Last day is June 20 and it is a half day.
Upcoming Events:
- FHS Winter Carnival
A fun-filled program designed and run by the students at Franklin High School. Games, snacks prize for preschool and elementary students- all proceeds to benefit the Munroe family fund. Sunday, March 16 from 12:00 until 4:00 FHS Fieldhouse
- Franklin Education Foundation Annual Trivia Bee
Come to the annual town-wide trivia bee on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00 at the Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School. Watch the teams compete for dominance in music trivia, have some snacks and bid on auction prizes. The finds raised support grants to Franklin educators. See if the Franklin School Committee can repeat as champs and listen to the musical talent of the FHS Jazz Band.
- PARCC Parent Presentation
This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.
|
| Franklin Municipal Building |
Live reporting - Finance Committee - Budget Hearing
Present: Quinn, Fleming, Conley, Smith, Dufour, Aparo, Dowd
Absent: Dewsnap, Huempher
Nutting, Gagner, Dacey, McNeil
Motion to approve minutes for meeting of Jan 14, seconded, passed 7-0
Nutting - budget overview
Revenues up, what the Schools do with their budget, we'll find out (School Committee actually meeting on their budget this evening)
Town Administrator budget going up with Town Clerk no longer able to do passports by law
new high has more glass and surfaces that will need to be cleaned regularly
Schools had laid off 8 custodians several years ago, this is time to add one back
Police looking to add one position; between vacation, holiday, sick leave accumulated it amounts to 3 people, this covers one; haven't been replacing them regularly
4 firefighters being paid by Federal grant, that will expire, no increase budgeted for as there still is not a negotiated contract with the fire fighters union
Retiree health costs transferred to Town Budget from Schools; better situation for this to be handled
this accounts for an extra increase of $555,000
Snow budget increase, this year is up so the rolling average is
looking to add 2600 seniors so Senior Center will be increasing
Library monthly book sale increasing revenues to open up Sunday hours
Bond request coming in the Spring for water improvements
Bond request coming for Library improvements and renovations (within budget)
Sewer plant improvements going to hit budget next year, hopefully the increase will did last year will help us cover that, the exact amount will find out and see
mediation/arbitration coming again with fire fighters but not really an expectation of getting a settlement given the recent history
This is an 'easy' budget in the grand scheme of things, next year will be another sotry
trash account likely to increase about $4 next year, hard to believe it is already coming up to the end of the five year contract.as the economy gets better the trash rates will get better
Q - if recycling rate goes up does that help the overall rate?
A - yes, it does.
Q - would the declining enrollment affect some of their planning?
A - question is better answered by the School Committee. The grade student teacher ratio is different from elementary, middle to high school.
Employee Benefits - G - 10 Budget line 910
Retirement assessment comes directly from the the County
Pension will be about 15% of the budget once we get out of the hole
had been paying 1.7M for retiree health, now it is down to 1.05M
major increase in this line is the $555,000 as mentioned during the overview
all health insurance subject to collective bargaining, they have been good 12 of the 13 have been at the table regularly (800 subscribers, 2000 people) (all non-school and retirees)
Schools generally doing most of the layoffs, teachers not renewing get laid off
OPEB had been planned for $100K but with the funds, lets god with $200K now and slowly grow this. we really need 2.7M per year to fund it, that would be our entire increase each year....
Compensation reserve increase due to the unsettled fire contract, which outstanding requirements increase for another year. what is unused (due to unsettled contracts gets into 'free cash'
Human Resources - A-21 Budget line 152
Police exam didn't cost the Town, the applicants admission fees paid for the exam
promotional exam already in Police Budget, that we do pay for
Town Council - A -1 Budget line 111
minor increase for conference admission fees
Town Administrator A - 2 budget line 123
increase here due to shift in hours from Town Clerk as mentioned
Finance Committee A - 4 Budget line 131
minor increase for conference admission fees
Comptroller A -5 Budget line 135
looking to replace a retiree at the end of the year and provide some overlap
Assessors - A - 10 Budget line 141
minor expense increase, less than $5K
usually get a 5-8 fold payback for the expense so it helps
Treasurer/Collector A -14 Budget line 147
UNibank dropped the ball on the $.25 increase
10-15% use the online bill pay
100 people use the drive up window about this time with excise taxes due
Legal - A - 19 Budget line 151
can hardly measure the cost avoidance for this but likely proceless
reviews contracts before they out the door
works on the real estate deals
working on all the bylaws, still a couple left to do
if we get sued, 99% we are covered by insurance
works with the assessors to cover the appeals to the Tax Board
pretty cheap legal budget for the size of the operations we have
The School do have a separate legal coverage for special ed
more than 20 hours a week counts for benefits, and thereby is 'permanent'
good for some folks but not for everyone as there are some continuity issues
Appeals Board A -37 Budget line 176
purely advertisement fees, paid for by the applicants
Central Services A - 50 Budget line 196
covers the copy machines, Iron Mountain records storage
postage machine rental use
postage except for schools covered here
annual report printing comes from this line too
Animal Control B - 56 Budget line 292
regional agreement with Bellingham
24 hours coverage provided
animal pound down by the DPW facility
Parking Meters B - 58 Budget line 293
looking to replace the existing meters
pricing for use of credit cards prohibitive
coins or swipe cards
busy is good, if people are parked downtown, then the meals tax revenue will increase
mostly for maintenance for the existing meters
meters and fines pay for the small lot rental and meters
Memorial Day - F - 12 Budget line 692
flags for the veterans
Cultural Council F - 13 Budget Line 695
cultural events and grants
Debt G - 1 Budget line 710/750
next year peak year for debt, then we get available capacity
debt ratio in historical data, (page 10)
policy of Council is to not exceed 3.5%
debt is level principle, declining interest - hence able to build capacity
one more small debt financing for the high school when it finishes
General Insurance G - 22 Budget line 945
a plug number, a best guess until the numbers are available
the old high school cost 9M to build
the contents alone for the building is a staggering amount
collective bargaining agreements are 2.5%
some increases are due to step increases
so there amount will vary from department to department
240 employees, all non union part timers except for the library
all management are non-union (probably 50-60 total)
HR does market analysis; some jobs are easier to compare than others
old business
new business - meeting Thursday 3/13
end of Mar/Apr will need to talk about the capital budget
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed
Absent: Dewsnap, Huempher
Nutting, Gagner, Dacey, McNeil
Motion to approve minutes for meeting of Jan 14, seconded, passed 7-0
Nutting - budget overview
Revenues up, what the Schools do with their budget, we'll find out (School Committee actually meeting on their budget this evening)
Town Administrator budget going up with Town Clerk no longer able to do passports by law
new high has more glass and surfaces that will need to be cleaned regularly
Schools had laid off 8 custodians several years ago, this is time to add one back
Police looking to add one position; between vacation, holiday, sick leave accumulated it amounts to 3 people, this covers one; haven't been replacing them regularly
4 firefighters being paid by Federal grant, that will expire, no increase budgeted for as there still is not a negotiated contract with the fire fighters union
Retiree health costs transferred to Town Budget from Schools; better situation for this to be handled
this accounts for an extra increase of $555,000
Snow budget increase, this year is up so the rolling average is
looking to add 2600 seniors so Senior Center will be increasing
Library monthly book sale increasing revenues to open up Sunday hours
Bond request coming in the Spring for water improvements
Bond request coming for Library improvements and renovations (within budget)
Sewer plant improvements going to hit budget next year, hopefully the increase will did last year will help us cover that, the exact amount will find out and see
mediation/arbitration coming again with fire fighters but not really an expectation of getting a settlement given the recent history
This is an 'easy' budget in the grand scheme of things, next year will be another sotry
trash account likely to increase about $4 next year, hard to believe it is already coming up to the end of the five year contract.as the economy gets better the trash rates will get better
Q - if recycling rate goes up does that help the overall rate?
A - yes, it does.
Q - would the declining enrollment affect some of their planning?
A - question is better answered by the School Committee. The grade student teacher ratio is different from elementary, middle to high school.
Employee Benefits - G - 10 Budget line 910
Retirement assessment comes directly from the the County
Pension will be about 15% of the budget once we get out of the hole
had been paying 1.7M for retiree health, now it is down to 1.05M
major increase in this line is the $555,000 as mentioned during the overview
all health insurance subject to collective bargaining, they have been good 12 of the 13 have been at the table regularly (800 subscribers, 2000 people) (all non-school and retirees)
Schools generally doing most of the layoffs, teachers not renewing get laid off
OPEB had been planned for $100K but with the funds, lets god with $200K now and slowly grow this. we really need 2.7M per year to fund it, that would be our entire increase each year....
Compensation reserve increase due to the unsettled fire contract, which outstanding requirements increase for another year. what is unused (due to unsettled contracts gets into 'free cash'
Human Resources - A-21 Budget line 152
Police exam didn't cost the Town, the applicants admission fees paid for the exam
promotional exam already in Police Budget, that we do pay for
Town Council - A -1 Budget line 111
minor increase for conference admission fees
Town Administrator A - 2 budget line 123
increase here due to shift in hours from Town Clerk as mentioned
Finance Committee A - 4 Budget line 131
minor increase for conference admission fees
Comptroller A -5 Budget line 135
looking to replace a retiree at the end of the year and provide some overlap
Assessors - A - 10 Budget line 141
minor expense increase, less than $5K
usually get a 5-8 fold payback for the expense so it helps
Treasurer/Collector A -14 Budget line 147
UNibank dropped the ball on the $.25 increase
10-15% use the online bill pay
100 people use the drive up window about this time with excise taxes due
Legal - A - 19 Budget line 151
can hardly measure the cost avoidance for this but likely proceless
reviews contracts before they out the door
works on the real estate deals
working on all the bylaws, still a couple left to do
if we get sued, 99% we are covered by insurance
works with the assessors to cover the appeals to the Tax Board
pretty cheap legal budget for the size of the operations we have
The School do have a separate legal coverage for special ed
more than 20 hours a week counts for benefits, and thereby is 'permanent'
good for some folks but not for everyone as there are some continuity issues
Appeals Board A -37 Budget line 176
purely advertisement fees, paid for by the applicants
Central Services A - 50 Budget line 196
covers the copy machines, Iron Mountain records storage
postage machine rental use
postage except for schools covered here
annual report printing comes from this line too
Animal Control B - 56 Budget line 292
regional agreement with Bellingham
24 hours coverage provided
animal pound down by the DPW facility
Parking Meters B - 58 Budget line 293
looking to replace the existing meters
pricing for use of credit cards prohibitive
coins or swipe cards
busy is good, if people are parked downtown, then the meals tax revenue will increase
mostly for maintenance for the existing meters
meters and fines pay for the small lot rental and meters
Memorial Day - F - 12 Budget line 692
flags for the veterans
Cultural Council F - 13 Budget Line 695
cultural events and grants
Debt G - 1 Budget line 710/750
next year peak year for debt, then we get available capacity
debt ratio in historical data, (page 10)
policy of Council is to not exceed 3.5%
debt is level principle, declining interest - hence able to build capacity
one more small debt financing for the high school when it finishes
General Insurance G - 22 Budget line 945
a plug number, a best guess until the numbers are available
the old high school cost 9M to build
the contents alone for the building is a staggering amount
collective bargaining agreements are 2.5%
some increases are due to step increases
so there amount will vary from department to department
240 employees, all non union part timers except for the library
all management are non-union (probably 50-60 total)
HR does market analysis; some jobs are easier to compare than others
old business
new business - meeting Thursday 3/13
end of Mar/Apr will need to talk about the capital budget
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 11, 2014
Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
AGENDA
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 25, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills – (from 2/11/14 Meeting) Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Parmenter Update
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/parmenter-music-program-pdf.html
b. FY15 Budget Hearing
3. Action Items
a. Pre-Approved via email: I recommend approval of the request for the FHS Jazz Band’s trip to the UNH Jazz Band Festival on March 8, 2014.
b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Parmenter PCC for field trips.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $282.66 from Wells Fargo Community Support Program for FHS.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Wells Fargo Community Support Program for FHS.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Wells Fargo Community Support Program for FHS.
g. I recommend approval of the request of Anthony Joseph to take the Keller 5th Grade on a field trip to Roger Williams Zoo on April 29, 2014.
h. I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light for a field trip to the All State Music Festival, in Boston, MA - March 20-22, 2014 as detailed
i. I recommend acceptance of the award of $1,200.00 of furniture from Jordan’s Furniture and $100.00 IMAX tickets for Davis Thayer students for winning the “Coats for Kids Program” as detailed.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Friends of the Franklin Library for a FHS scholarship.
k. I recommend acceptance of two checks ($1,000.00 & $1,500.00) from Mr. & Mrs. Sabolinski and the Estate of Donald Sabolinski for a FHS Scholarship.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from the FHS Class of 1972 & 1973 for the Janet McHale Memorial Scholarship at FHS.
m. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from the FHS Class of 1972 & 1973 for a scholarship in memory of Lexi and Sean Munroe.
n. I recommend acceptance of a check for $134.81 from PBC for FHS Athletics.
o. I recommend acceptance of a check for $240.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for extra-curricular music.
p. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,800.00 from the Music Boosters for in-house enrichment at FHS.
q. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Library Books.
r. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,217.00 from Keller PCC for a Kindergarten field trip.
s. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,506.00 from the Parmenter PCC for grade 5 field trip.
t. I recommend acceptance of a check for $700.00 from the Parmenter PCC for buses for field trips.
u. I recommend approval of the request of Mr. Light/Ms. Gilbert for the Transition class to visit Lincoln Technical Institute in East Windsor, CT on April 16, 2014 as detailed.
v. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 30 tickets to the advanced screening of Divergent for Horace Mann students on March 18 at the AMC Theater in Boston from Summit Entertainment.
4. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
5. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
6. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
7. Adjourn
|
| Franklin Municipal Building |
Emmons St building discussion documents
The handouts from the meeting last week are available for reading and download.
From the American Planning Association "How cities use parks for ... Economic Development" (4 pages)
The Franklin Downtown Partnership input (2 pages)
The letter sent for the February meeting from Representative Jeff Roy (1 page)
Helen Chalk's suggestion sent to the Planning Dept via email (1 page)
Sue Sheridan's letter with the recommendation of a multipurpose cultural space (1 page)
The notes from the meeting last week on the future of the Emmons St building can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/live-reporting-emmons-st-public-meeting.html
 |
| Emmon St building seen from West Central St |
From the American Planning Association "How cities use parks for ... Economic Development" (4 pages)
The Franklin Downtown Partnership input (2 pages)
The letter sent for the February meeting from Representative Jeff Roy (1 page)
Helen Chalk's suggestion sent to the Planning Dept via email (1 page)
Sue Sheridan's letter with the recommendation of a multipurpose cultural space (1 page)
The notes from the meeting last week on the future of the Emmons St building can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/live-reporting-emmons-st-public-meeting.html
Parmenter Music Program (PDF)
The Parmenter Music Program presentation document as scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting, Tuesday, March 11
The full School Committee agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-mar.html
The full School Committee agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-mar.html
Senator Spilka: Updates from the State House
|
This message was sent to :
Office of Karen Spilka | Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka, Room 511-C, State House | Boston, MA 02133
|
Email Marketing by
 |
In the News: testing equipment, Sunday sales, FHS performance
ProVerde has purchased most of its testing equipment from Waters. The Franklin location, while not ideal, has given DesLauriers and Hudalla a place to refine the many procedures, from testing for heavy metals to creating profiles for different strains.
The marijuana they have used as samples came from licensed caregivers or people with permission from their doctor to use it, such as DesLauriers, because their staff cannot legally handle the drug. The state Department of Health has not released guidelines yet for the laboratories.Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140311/NEWS/140319564/1994/NEWS
On voice vote and without debate, the House last Wednesday approved a bill (H 228) that would legalize Sunday morning alcohol sales starting at 10 a.m. - two hours earlier than allowed under current law.
...
The bill, also sponsored by Rep. Kevin Kuros (R-Uxbridge) and Rep. Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk), is now before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Rules, chaired by Sen. Stanley Rosenberg of Amherst.
Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140310/NEWS/140319683/1994/NEWS
Franklin High School students will perform "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" on March 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. at the Horace Mann auditorium, Oak Street.
Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.
Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140311/NEWS/140319568/1994/NEWS
Monday, March 10, 2014
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - first Budget Hearing - Agenda
Franklin gets the budget hearing season underway Tuesday evening with the Finance Committee meeting at 7:00 PM in the 3rd Fl Training Room.
The listing of the mostly small and central administration budgets to be reviewed on Tuesday can be found here. The actual budget document has not yet been posted to the Franklin webpage. Once it is available, I will share it.
What is the budget process?
Jeff Nutting, Town Administrator (TA) and Susan Gagner, Town Comptroller, gather all the requirements from each of the departments and make a recommendation. The working budget document usually displays the last several years of budget for each department, this years request, and then the TA recommendation.
The Finance Committee does its review of the budget meeting with each of the department managers to get into a detail discussion of their operation as it relates to the budget. What is driving the increase (if any)?
After the Finance Committee hears all the budget details, it makes its recommendation to the Town Council. The Town Council used to go through a similar process of meeting with the department heads but the last couple of years has gotten away from that. They simply read the budget line items, a member has an opportunity to put a 'hold' on any item which they then come back to for a discussion.
So if you do want to find out what is really in the budget, you need to follow the Finance Committee meetings. This is where the details are revealed.
Dept - Budget - Page
Employee Benefits 910 G-10
Human Resources 152 A-21
Town Council 111 A-1
Town Administrator 123 A-2
Finance Committee 131 A-4
Comptroller 135 A-5
Assessors 141 A-10
Treasurer/Collector 147 A-14
Legal 151 A-19
Appeals Board 176 A-37
Central Services 196 A-50
Animal Control 292 B-56
Parking Meter 293 B-58
Memorial Day 692 F-12
Cultural Council 695 F-13
Debt 710/750 G-1
General Insurance 945 G-22
The listing of the mostly small and central administration budgets to be reviewed on Tuesday can be found here. The actual budget document has not yet been posted to the Franklin webpage. Once it is available, I will share it.
What is the budget process?
Jeff Nutting, Town Administrator (TA) and Susan Gagner, Town Comptroller, gather all the requirements from each of the departments and make a recommendation. The working budget document usually displays the last several years of budget for each department, this years request, and then the TA recommendation.
The Finance Committee does its review of the budget meeting with each of the department managers to get into a detail discussion of their operation as it relates to the budget. What is driving the increase (if any)?
After the Finance Committee hears all the budget details, it makes its recommendation to the Town Council. The Town Council used to go through a similar process of meeting with the department heads but the last couple of years has gotten away from that. They simply read the budget line items, a member has an opportunity to put a 'hold' on any item which they then come back to for a discussion.
So if you do want to find out what is really in the budget, you need to follow the Finance Committee meetings. This is where the details are revealed.
 |
| Franklin Municipal Building |
Dept - Budget - Page
Employee Benefits 910 G-10
Human Resources 152 A-21
Town Council 111 A-1
Town Administrator 123 A-2
Finance Committee 131 A-4
Comptroller 135 A-5
Assessors 141 A-10
Treasurer/Collector 147 A-14
Legal 151 A-19
Appeals Board 176 A-37
Central Services 196 A-50
Animal Control 292 B-56
Parking Meter 293 B-58
Memorial Day 692 F-12
Cultural Council 695 F-13
Debt 710/750 G-1
General Insurance 945 G-22
Franklin Newcomers Club: Jeffrey Roy to speak
From the Franklin Newcomers Club:
When and where does the Newcomers Club meet?
The meeting will be in the upstairs function room at '3' Restaurant Wednesday, Mar 12 at 7:30 PM. Light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages will be available as will a cash bar.
'3' Restaurant
461 West Central Street, Franklin
 |
| Franklin Newcomers Club |
Our March speaker is our own State Representative, Jeffrey Roy. In addition, he is Chairman of the Master Plan Committee for an updated vision of Franklin. He will join us to speak about the vision for Franklin and to take any questions about what's new and exciting in our town. If there are any specific items that you would like him to address (i.e., any bills of interest at the State House), send him an email prior to our meeting at Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov and he will be sure to address it that night.
When and where does the Newcomers Club meet?
The meeting will be in the upstairs function room at '3' Restaurant Wednesday, Mar 12 at 7:30 PM. Light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages will be available as will a cash bar.
'3' Restaurant
461 West Central Street, Franklin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)